Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Christmas Music: The best songs released on Christmas Day 2015, from Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem to Miley Cyrus and Future Islands

Also includes Green Day

Jack Shepherd
Friday 25 December 2015 12:42 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

UPDATE: Radiohead have released their theme song for the latest James Bond film, Spectre.

Is it better than Same Smith's song? By a long way. It feels epic, with violins played at full belt, but there's also the intricacy of all Radiohead songs.

Check out the phenomenal track below, released on Christmas Day, as with the rest of the Christmas songs below.

Original: In the internet age, artists no longer release Christmas songs in the run-up to the big day, they just drop songs online on the day itself.

This year, we’ve been graced with a wide array of Christmas themed songs, including both originals and covers of the classics. We’ve rounded up a couple of the best from the biggest artists.

First off, James Murphy has released his first song under his LCD Soundsystem name since breaking up the band back in 2011.

According to Twitter, Murphy has been singing this “depressing Christmas song” for the past eight years. If you were looking for an Arcade Fire track fronted by Murphy, you’ve got it here.

Miley Cyrus has also released a sad Christmas song, literally titled “My Sad Christmas Song”. Performing with tour buddies The Flaming Lips, Cyrus sings over a reverb laden guitar track.

Lyrics include such Christmas classics as: “Why did you have to go / we were under the mistletoe”.

Future Islands have somehow made Wham’s classic “Last Christmas” even more eighties than the original.

Over slow synths, lead singer Samuel Herring lays down some haunting vocals, complimenting the twangy bass line.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

Remember Green Day, those punk rockers who did that album Dookie and American Idiot? Well, they’re still going, and they’ve dropped a new Christmas tune.

Featuring fuzzy guitar, big drums and classic rock vibes, I’m not sure if “Xmas Time Of Year” is supposed to be ironic or a proper attempt at a Christmas song. Either way, it’s alright.

The fight for Christmas Number One is currently ongoing between Justin Bieber and the NHS Choir, with the Choir having just overtaken the young star in sales after he backed their campaign.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in